Paul M.

When Paul was seemingly spurned in trying to enter the traditional workforce, he decided to create his own job.

A thalidomide survivor, Paul is the former president of a company that developed technologies that promote accessibility for persons with disabilities, including the first wheelchair-accessible taxis in Winnipeg.

“When I graduated from high school, I had a hard time looking for work,” says Paul. “I ran into too many employers who only saw the negatives of hiring someone with disabilities, instead of considering all of the skills I could bring to the job.”

Several years later, Paul met an executive from Motor Coach Industries (MCI) at a business conference. The executive recognized Paul’s experience and expertise in technology and accessibility issues. Soon afterward, Paul was hired initially as a consultant to MCI and then, as full-time regulatory compliance advisor and later, promoted to director – regulatory compliance with the corporation.

“My entrepreneurship gave me a good understanding of business practices, the automotive industry and the importance of effective communication when working in teams,” says Paul, who joined MCI 13 years ago. “At Motor Coach, I am actively involved in addressing accessibility issues and standards compliance for our vehicles.”

Paul says prospective employers would be wise to consider persons with disabilities because they tend to bring unique skills to the workplace.

 “Look at the job you have to fill and the advantages of hiring someone who can think outside the box,” says Paul. “People with disabilities face all kinds of challenges in their daily lives, so they tend to be natural problem solvers – proactive, sharp, quick and creative.”